85 words to know before reading The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

1. Rough, uneven, or jagged in texture or appearance.
2. Strong, durable, and able to withstand harsh conditions.

Story of the Door Mr. Utterson the lawyer was a man of a rugged countenance that was never lighted by a smile; cold, scanty and embarrassed in discourse;

1. A person's face or facial expression.
2. Support or approval of something.

may be very serious. Have the kindness to wait while I dress.” And with the same grave countenance he hurried through his breakfast and drove to the police station, whither the body had been

1. Insufficient in amount or extent.
2. Lacking in size or fullness; meager.

the lawyer was a man of a rugged countenance that was never lighted by a smile; cold, scanty and embarrassed in discourse; backward in sentiment; lean, long, dusty, dreary and yet somehow

1. Dull, bleak, and lifeless; depressing.
2. Causing sadness or gloom.

a smile; cold, scanty and embarrassed in discourse; backward in sentiment; lean, long, dusty, dreary and yet somehow lovable. At friendly meetings, and when the wine was to his taste, something

1. To a notable degree; very (e.g., "eminently qualified").
2. In a manner that stands out; remarkably.

yet somehow lovable. At friendly meetings, and when the wine was to his taste, something eminently human beaconed from his eye; something indeed which never found its way into his talk, but which

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

chuckled Dr. Lanyon. “But I suppose we are. And what of that? I see little of him now.” “Indeed?” said Utterson. “I thought you had a bond of common interest.” “We had,” was the reply. “But it

1. Feeling fear or scared.
2. Afraid or alarmed by something.

faces; and there was the man in the middle, with a kind of black, sneering coolness—frightened too, I could see that—but carrying it off, sir, really like Satan. ‘If you choose to make

1. A slang term for a surgeon or doctor.
2. A humorous or informal way to refer to a medical professional.

Well, sir, he was like the rest of us; every time he looked at my prisoner, I saw that sawbones turn sick and white with desire to kill him. I knew what was in his mind, just as he knew what

1. Showing contempt or scorn through a mocking smile or expression.
2. Speaking or behaving in a derisive or disdainful manner.

a circle of such hateful faces; and there was the man in the middle, with a kind of black, sneering coolness—frightened too, I could see that—but carrying it off, sir, really like Satan. ‘If you

1. A written order to a bank to pay a specified sum from one's account.
2. A form of payment ensuring funds are transferred securely.

‘Set your mind at rest,’ says he, ‘I will stay with you till the banks open and cash the cheque myself.’ So we all set off, the doctor, and the child’s father, and our friend and myself, and

1. A short, sharp sound made to express disapproval or attract attention.
2. A private lesson or instruction, often one-on-one.

I had every reason to believe it was a forgery. Not a bit of it. The cheque was genuine.” “Tut-tut,” said Mr. Utterson. “I see you feel as I do,” said Mr. Enfield. “Yes, it’s a bad story. For my

1. Dark or dull in color or tone.
2. Gloomy, melancholy, or serious in mood.

Search for Mr. Hyde That evening, Mr. Utterson came home to his bachelor house in sombre spirits and sat down to dinner without relish. It was his custom of a Sunday, when this meal was

1. A cylinder of wax with a central wick that is lit to produce light.
2. A unit of luminous intensity.

paper in the safe, “and now I begin to fear it is disgrace.” With that he blew out his candle, put on a greatcoat and set forth in the direction of Cavendish Square, that citadel of medicine,

1. The forehead or the ridge of hair above the eye.
2. The edge of a steep place, like a cliff.

Then he began slowly to mount the street, pausing every step or two and putting his hand to his brow like a man in mental perplexity. The problem he was thus debating as he walked, was one of a

1. Until now or until the point in time under discussion.
2. Up to this time; previously.

so conveniently near to Mr. Utterson’s dwelling, and still he was digging at the problem. Hitherto it had touched him on the intellectual side alone; but now his imagination also was engaged or

1. Increased in size or volume, often due to pressure or injury.
2. Became larger or more intense, as in emotions or sounds.

of success that he withdrew into the entry of the court. The steps drew swiftly nearer, and swelled out suddenly louder as they turned the end of the street. The lawyer, looking forth from the

1. Confused or puzzled by something difficult to understand.
2. Prevented from achieving a goal or understanding a situation.

had no face by which he might know it; even in his dreams, it had no face, or one that baffled him and melted before his eyes; and thus it was that there sprang up and grew apace in the

1. Loss of respect or honor; shame.
2. A person or thing that brings shame.

he said, as he replaced the obnoxious paper in the safe, “and now I begin to fear it is disgrace.” With that he blew out his candle, put on a greatcoat and set forth in the direction of

1. Working hard or laboring intensely.
2. Moving or progressing with difficulty.

the small hours of the morning began to grow large. It was a night of little ease to his toiling mind, toiling in mere darkness and besieged by questions. Six o’clock struck on the bells of the

1. Storage units with shelves or drawers, often made of wood or metal.
2. A group of senior government officials who advise the head of state.

his spirits, he seemed to read a menace in the flickering of the firelight on the polished cabinets and the uneasy starting of the shadow on the roof. He was ashamed of his relief, when Poole

1. A period of two weeks (14 days).
2. Commonly used in British and Australian English.

Dr. Jekyll Was Quite at Ease A fortnight later, by excellent good fortune, the doctor gave one of his pleasant dinners to some five or six

1. The main meal of the day, typically eaten in the evening.
2. Formal evening meals, often for social or celebratory occasions.

at Ease A fortnight later, by excellent good fortune, the doctor gave one of his pleasant dinners to some five or six old cronies, all intelligent, reputable men and all judges of good wine; and

1. Close friends or companions, often with a negative connotation of favoritism.
2. Associates who may benefit from unfair advantages given by someone in power.

excellent good fortune, the doctor gave one of his pleasant dinners to some five or six old cronies, all intelligent, reputable men and all judges of good wine; and Mr. Utterson so contrived that

1. Deliberately created rather than arising naturally.
2. Artificial or forced, lacking spontaneity.

cronies, all intelligent, reputable men and all judges of good wine; and Mr. Utterson so contrived that he remained behind after the others had departed. This was no new arrangement, but a thing

1. Left or went away from a place.
2. Deceased; no longer living.

of good wine; and Mr. Utterson so contrived that he remained behind after the others had departed. This was no new arrangement, but a thing that had befallen many scores of times. Where Utterson

1. To keep someone in official custody, typically for questioning or as a punishment.
2. To delay or hold back someone or something temporarily.

befallen many scores of times. Where Utterson was liked, he was liked well. Hosts loved to detain the dry lawyer, when the lighthearted and loose-tongued had already their foot on the threshold;

1. Not noticeable or attracting attention.
2. Discreet or subtle in manner or appearance.

loose-tongued had already their foot on the threshold; they liked to sit a while in his unobtrusive company, practising for solitude, sobering their minds in the man’s rich silence after the

1. Engaging in an activity regularly to improve skills.
2. Performing the duties or procedures of a profession.

their foot on the threshold; they liked to sit a while in his unobtrusive company, practising for solitude, sobering their minds in the man’s rich silence after the expense and strain of

1. The state of being alone without companions.
2. A peaceful or isolated place.

been used for the last two months to see his friend almost daily, he found this return of solitude to weigh upon his spirits. The fifth night, he had in Guest to dine with him; and the sixth he

1. Deeply loved or valued.
2. Protected or cared for affectionately.

cast perhaps, but every mark of capacity and kindness—you could see by his looks that he cherished for Mr. Utterson a sincere and warm affection. “I have been wanting to speak to you, Jekyll,”

1. A person who is overly concerned with minor details or rules.
2. Someone who shows off their knowledge in a tedious or ostentatious way.

I always mean to see more of him; but a hidebound pedant for all that; an ignorant, blatant pedant. I was never more disappointed in any man than Lanyon.” “You know I never approved of it,”

1. Suddenly surprised or alarmed.
2. Caused to feel shock or fear unexpectedly.

The Carew Murder Case Nearly a year later, in the month of October, 18—, London was startled by a crime of singular ferocity and rendered all the more notable by the high position of the

1. Being the only one of its kind; unique.
2. (Grammar) Referring to a form representing one person or thing.

them, Guest?” he inquired suddenly. “Well, sir,” returned the clerk, “there’s a rather singular resemblance; the two hands are in many points identical: only differently sloped.” “Rather

1. Extreme fierceness or intensity.
2. Savage or violent behavior.

a year later, in the month of October, 18—, London was startled by a crime of singular ferocity and rendered all the more notable by the high position of the victim. The details were few and

1. Causing sudden surprise or alarm.
2. Strikingly unusual or unexpected.

which Jekyll had several times expressed a great esteem, annotated, in his own hand, with startling blasphemies. Next, in the course of their review of the chamber, the searchers came to the

1. A female domestic servant who cleans and maintains a household.
2. A young unmarried woman (archaic or poetic).

a great flame of anger, stamping with his foot, brandishing the cane, and carrying on (as the maid described it) like a madman. The old gentleman took a step back, with the air of one very much

1. On or to a higher floor of a building.
2. The upper floor(s) of a building.

few and startling. A maid servant living alone in a house not far from the river, had gone upstairs to bed about eleven. Although a fog rolled over the city in the small hours, the early part of

1. The number following ten (11).
2. A sports team with eleven players (e.g., soccer).

A maid servant living alone in a house not far from the river, had gone upstairs to bed about eleven. Although a fog rolled over the city in the small hours, the early part of the night was

1. Deep in thought; reflective or contemplative.
2. Expressing or involving quiet, thoughtful consideration.

that, you know, is far from explaining all,” he added, and with the words fell into a vein of musing. From this he was recalled by Mr. Utterson asking rather suddenly: “And you don’t know if the

1. Approached or confronted aggressively or boldly.
2. (Heraldry) Describing a figure with arms extended as if speaking.

they had come within speech (which was just under the maid’s eyes) the older man bowed and accosted the other with a very pretty manner of politeness. It did not seem as if the subject of his

1. A long, slender stick used for support when walking.
2. The hollow, jointed stem of plants like bamboo or sugar cane.

once visited her master and for whom she had conceived a dislike. He had in his hand a heavy cane, with which he was trifling; but he answered never a word, and seemed to listen with an

1. Cutting apart or separating tissues for scientific examination.
2. Analyzing something in great detail.

returned to announce that Dr. Jekyll was gone out. “I saw Mr. Hyde go in by the old dissecting room door, Poole,” he said. “Is that right, when Dr. Jekyll is from home?” “Quite right, Mr.

1. People legally entitled to inherit property or titles from a deceased person.
2. Successors who receive rights, responsibilities, or positions from predecessors.

known as the laboratory or the dissecting rooms. The doctor had bought the house from the heirs of a celebrated surgeon; and his own tastes being rather chemical than anatomical, had changed

1. A person employed to keep records or accounts in an office.
2. A sales assistant in a store.

himself. “Why did you compare them, Guest?” he inquired suddenly. “Well, sir,” returned the clerk, “there’s a rather singular resemblance; the two hands are in many points identical: only

1. Insufficient to meet demand.
2. Rare or not plentiful.

displeasing, something downright detestable. I never saw a man I so disliked, and yet I scarce know why. He must be deformed somewhere; he gives a strong feeling of deformity, although I

1. A spoken or written comment or observation.
2. To notice or observe something.

when they came abreast of the entry, the former lifted up his cane and pointed. “Did you ever remark that door?” he asked; and when his companion had replied in the affirmative, “It is connected in

1. A person's handwritten signature, especially of a famous person.
2. To sign one's name on something, typically for a fan or admirer.

it; it is an ugly business at the best. But there it is; quite in your way: a murderer’s autograph.” Guest’s eyes brightened, and he sat down at once and studied it with passion. “No, sir,” he

1. Sought knowledge or details.
2. Made a formal request or investigation.

many years before to Henry Jekyll. “Is this Mr. Hyde a person of small stature?” he inquired. “Particularly small and particularly wicked-looking, is what the maid calls him,” said the

1. Attractively unusual or old-fashioned.
2. Charmingly odd or peculiar.

only differently sloped.” “Rather quaint,” said Utterson. “It is, as you say, rather quaint,” returned Guest. “I wouldn’t speak of this note, you know,” said the master. “No, sir,” said the

1. Worthy of attention; striking or unusual.
2. Exceptionally good or impressive.

Remarkable Incident of Dr. Lanyon Time ran on; thousands of pounds were offered in reward, for the death of

1. Felt bitterness or indignation at a perceived unfairness.
2. Held a grudge or ill will towards someone or something.

Time ran on; thousands of pounds were offered in reward, for the death of Sir Danvers was resented as a public injury; but Mr. Hyde had disappeared out of the ken of the police as though he had

1. Emotionally insensitive or unfeeling.
2. Having a hardened or thickened area of skin.

was unearthed, indeed, and all disreputable: tales came out of the man’s cruelty, at once so callous and violent, of his vile life, of his strange associates, of the hatred that seemed to have

1. Extremely unpleasant or morally bad.
2. Offensively or disgustingly bad.

all disreputable: tales came out of the man’s cruelty, at once so callous and violent, of his vile life, of his strange associates, of the hatred that seemed to have surrounded his career; but of

1. To speak very softly using one's breath without vocal cords.
2. A quiet or secretive conversation.

was not my master, and there’s the truth. My master”—here he looked round him and began to whisper—“is a tall fine build of a man, and this was more of a dwarf.” Utterson attempted to protest.

1. A district in London known for its entertainment and nightlife.
2. Small Office/Home Office, referring to a business operated from home.

career; but of his present whereabouts, not a whisper. From the time he had left the house in Soho on the morning of the murder, he was simply blotted out; and gradually, as time drew on, Mr.

1. Marked or stained with spots or smears.
2. Obscured or made unclear, as if by a blot.

From the time he had left the house in Soho on the morning of the murder, he was simply blotted out; and gradually, as time drew on, Mr. Utterson began to recover from the hotness of his alarm,

1. The state of being private and away from others.
2. Isolation from society or public view.

evil influence had been withdrawn, a new life began for Dr. Jekyll. He came out of his seclusion, renewed relations with his friends, became once more their familiar guest and entertainer; and

1. Restricted within limits; not free to move or act.
2. Enclosed or shut in a space.

my conduct was solved. Hyde was thenceforth impossible; whether I would or not, I was now confined to the better part of my existence; and O, how I rejoiced to think it! with what willing

1. To look steadily and intently, often with curiosity or admiration.
2. A fixed or intent look.

once again through the bystreet; and that when they came in front of the door, both stopped to gaze on it. “Well,” said Enfield, “that story’s at an end at least. We shall never see more of Mr.

1. A strong feeling of dislike or disgust.
2. The force that pushes objects or particles away from each other.

not,” said Utterson. “Did I ever tell you that I once saw him, and shared your feeling of repulsion?” “It was impossible to do the one without the other,” returned Enfield. “And by the way, what an

1. Slightly wet or moist.
2. To reduce the intensity or enthusiasm of something.

I feel as if the presence of a friend might do him good.” The court was very cool and a little damp, and full of premature twilight, although the sky, high up overhead, was still bright with

1. A person's appearance or demeanor, especially as expressive of character or mood.
2. The way someone carries themselves; their bearing or manner.

was halfway open; and sitting close beside it, taking the air with an infinite sadness of mien, like some disconsolate prisoner, Utterson saw Dr. Jekyll. “What! Jekyll!” he cried. “I trust you

1. In a dull, boring, or depressing manner.
2. With a lack of interest or enthusiasm.

Jekyll!” he cried. “I trust you are better.” “I am very low, Utterson,” replied the doctor drearily, “very low. It will not last long, thank God.” “You stay too much indoors,” said the lawyer. “You

1. Movement of blood through the body via the heart and blood vessels.
2. Distribution or dissemination of something, like information or money.

God.” “You stay too much indoors,” said the lawyer. “You should be out, whipping up the circulation like Mr. Enfield and me. (This is my cousin—Mr. Enfield—Dr. Jekyll.) Come now; get your hat and

1. Extremely bad, unpleasant, or degrading.
2. Completely without pride or dignity.

uttered, before the smile was struck out of his face and succeeded by an expression of such abject terror and despair, as froze the very blood of the two gentlemen below. They saw it but for a

1. A feeling of hopelessness or deep sadness.
2. The complete loss or absence of hope.

smile was struck out of his face and succeeded by an expression of such abject terror and despair, as froze the very blood of the two gentlemen below. They saw it but for a glimpse, for the

1. A quick or brief look at something.
2. A faint or partial view.

below. They saw it but for a glimpse, for the window was instantly thrust down; but that glimpse had been sufficient, and they turned and left the court without a word. In silence, too, they

1. Traveled across or through an area or place.
2. Moved back and forth over something.

been sufficient, and they turned and left the court without a word. In silence, too, they traversed the bystreet; and it was not until they had come into a neighbouring thoroughfare, where even

1. Located or situated near or next to something else.
2. Adjacent or bordering another place or thing.

by the fire, a volume of some dry divinity on his reading desk, until the clock of the neighbouring church rang out the hour of twelve, when he would go soberly and gratefully to bed. On this

1. The reflexive form of "you," referring to the person being addressed.
2. Used to emphasize the subject "you."

mean?” “I daren’t say, sir,” was the answer; “but will you come along with me and see for yourself?” Mr. Utterson’s only answer was to rise and get his hat and greatcoat; but he observed with

1. The floor of a fireplace, often extending into a room.
2. Symbolically represents home or family life.

cabinet before their eyes in the quiet lamplight, a good fire glowing and chattering on the hearth, the kettle singing its thin strain, a drawer or two open, papers neatly set forth on the

1. Past tense of "weep," meaning to shed tears, often due to sadness or pain.
2. To express grief, sorrow, or strong emotion through crying.

Poole. Blank silence followed, no one protesting; only the maid lifted up her voice and now wept loudly. “Hold your tongue!” Poole said to her, with a ferocity of accent that testified to his

1. Shedding tears as an expression of emotion (e.g., sadness or joy).
2. The act of crying or lamenting.

“Is there never anything else?” he asked. Poole nodded. “Once,” he said. “Once I heard it weeping!” “Weeping? how that?” said the lawyer, conscious of a sudden chill of horror. “Weeping like a

1. Past tense of flee; ran away from danger or trouble.
2. Having left quickly to escape.

places. The lawyer put it in his pocket. “I would say nothing of this paper. If your master has fled or is dead, we may at least save his credit. It is now ten; I must go home and read these

1. A skilled craftsperson who makes, repairs, or installs locks and keys.
2. A professional who provides emergency lockout services.

my house. Poole, my butler, has his orders; you will find him waiting your arrival with a locksmith. The door of my cabinet is then to be forced: and you are to go in alone; to open the glazed

1. A small glass container for liquids, especially medicines.
2. Also called a vial, typically sealed with a stopper or cap.

All this, though it whetted my curiosity, told me little that was definite. Here were a phial of some tincture, a paper of some salt, and the record of a series of experiments that had led

1. A type of tobacco that is sweetened and pressed into cakes or plugs for smoking.
2. A surname, notably associated with Henry Cavendish, a British scientist.

With that he blew out his candle, put on a greatcoat and set forth in the direction of Cavendish Square, that citadel of medicine, where his friend, the great Dr. Lanyon, had his house and

1. Providing expert advice or services in a specific field.
2. The business of offering professional guidance to organizations or individuals.

struck me, I confess, disagreeably; and as I followed him into the bright light of the consulting room, I kept my hand ready on my weapon. Here, at last, I had a chance of clearly seeing him. I

1. A skilled worker who builds or repairs wooden structures.
2. A person who works with wood, crafting furniture or frameworks.

as mine a registered letter of instruction, and had sent at once for a locksmith and a carpenter. The tradesmen came while we were yet speaking; and we moved in a body to old Dr. Denman’s

1. Records or items entered in a list, database, or log.
2. Points of access, such as doors or gates.

little but a series of dates. These covered a period of many years, but I observed that the entries ceased nearly a year ago and quite abruptly. Here and there a brief remark was appended to a

1. A solution of a medicinal substance in alcohol.
2. A slight trace or tinge of color, flavor, or quality.

him what he asked. He thanked me with a smiling nod, measured out a few minims of the red tincture and added one of the powders. The mixture, which was at first of a reddish hue, began, in

1. Very great or intense in degree.
2. Having deep insight or knowledge.

which I looked to it to change. But the temptation of a discovery so singular and profound, at last overcame the suggestions of alarm. I had long since prepared my tincture; I purchased at

1. Strong desires or ambitions to achieve something.
2. The act of inhaling or drawing in, especially breath.

noble spirit, had I risked the experiment while under the empire of generous or pious aspirations, all must have been otherwise, and from these agonies of death and birth, I had come forth an

1. Sudden sharp pains or discomfort, often emotional or physical.
2. Feelings of distress, longing, or regret.

song upon his lips as he compounded the draught, and as he drank it, pledged the dead man. The pangs of transformation had not done tearing him, before Henry Jekyll, with streaming tears of

1. A current of cool air in a room or other confined space.
2. The depth of water a ship needs to float.

last, in an hour of moral weakness, I once again compounded and swallowed the transforming draught. I do not suppose that, when a drunkard reasons with himself upon his vice, he is once out of